Readers' Choice 2009 results: Sports & Leisure

See more results:Arts & EntertainmentDiningServicesShoppingSports and LeisureMore than 1,500 people participated in the second Kalamazoo Gazette
Readers’ Choice Awards, where you vote for the best aspects of
Southwest Michigan, everything from florists to oil change shops. Here
are the Sports & Leisure results:

Best health clubWest Hills Athletic Club

The west-side health spot jumps from second-runner up to Readers’ Choice this year. Seems appropriate that jumping should be part of the club’s activities — a place to run, jump, workout and play.

Kalamazoo's Will Colbert (6) clears the puck out of the slot past Reading's Chris Stevens (4). ECHL Hockey Kalamazoo Wings visit the Reading Royals in their home opener at the Sovereign Center, Reading. The best hockey in town, and an outstanding venue in which to watch. The hockey is entertaining enough, and the giveaways, non-stop energy and here-there-and-everywhere action make a night at Wings Stadium a night to remember.

FIRST RUNNER-UP Milham Golf CourseIt’s a test of stamina at Milham, particularly on the back nine, where there is only one par 3. Keep your poise and a good time is guaranteed on the 6,578-yard, par-72 layout.CONTACT: 4200 Lovers Lane, (269) 337-8792. www.kalamazoogolf.org/milham.

Gazette fileJohn Lokker, 16, of Holland gets some air after hitting a jump at Bittersweet Ski Resort last winter.Nothing bitter here. It’s a sweet time on the slopes at Bittersweet, which skies to the Readers’ Choice top prize after finishing as first runner-up last year.

FIRST RUNNER-UPTimber Ridge Ski AreaSkiers of all abilities can enjoy themselves at Timber Ridge. It’s a perfect place for families to bundle up and have some fun.CONTACT: 7500 23 1/2 Street, Gobles. (269) 694-9449. www.timberridgeski.com.

This 44-acre beauty is a peaceful and playful locale — a place you’ll find adults relaxing and children frolicking. Picnic areas, a softball field and playgrounds — not to mention meandering Portage Creek — are Milham Park highlights.

FIRST RUNNER-UP (tie) The StruttPoets, book writers, open mic and great daily specials. Great place for a tasty libations and literary edification.CONTACT: 773 W. Michigan Ave., (269) 492-7200. www.thestrutt.com.

Wayside WestFive full-service bars, nine pool tables and more than 40 TVs to cover every major sporting event you can think of. You get the idea. Plenty of room to unwind.CONTACT: 3406 Stadium Drive, (269) 375-1930. www.waysidewest.com.

First-class bowling is the main attraction at Airway, but there are plenty of other top-notch activities to fill out a fun-packed outing. Laser tag, miniature golf, go-carts and an expansive game room also are featured.